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The Supermoon rises over houses in Olvera, in the southern Spanish province of Cadiz, July 12, 2014. Occurring when a full moon or new moon coincides with the closest approach the moon makes to the Earth, the Supermoon results in a larger-than-usual appearance of the lunar disk. REUTERS/Jon Nazca (SPAIN - Tags: SOCIETY CITYSCAPE TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - GM1EA7D0FC401

This week’s new questions

31 May 2023

When was it first realised that the lit portion of the moon always faces the sun? And in the comics, Thor is pulled into flight by throwing his hammer. Could a machine “fly” using such a principle?
Could land-dwelling octopuses develop technology? (part 2)

Could land-dwelling octopuses develop technology? (part 2)

31 May 2023

A reader shares their thoughts on how difficult technological development would be for underwater species without access to fire
Hot dogs closeup; Shutterstock ID 373080193; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

How much tea must I drink to counter the effect of eating a hot dog?

31 May 2023

Our readers say just two cups of tea a day would be enough to overcome the negative effects of a twice-weekly hot dog habit
Bernini statue detail of Gange with Latin words engraved on a wall Roman Capitol; Shutterstock ID 131482886; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Do we actually know how the ancient Romans pronounced Latin words?

31 May 2023

Surviving verse and plays can give us clues about Latin pronunciation, say our readers, as can the languages that are descended from Latin today

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